Types of Gravel (and the Best Gravel for Each Job)
Part of Landscaping & Aggregate
Quick answer
The common gravels are crusher run (compactable base), #57 stone (3/4-inch clean drainage stone), pea gravel (small rounded decorative stone), stone dust (paver setting bed), and #411 (a compactable driveway top). Match the grade to the job: clean stone for drainage, fines-bearing stone for bases that must compact.
Gravel is graded by stone size and whether it contains 'fines' (rock dust). Clean stone with no fines drains freely; stone with fines locks together and compacts hard. That single difference decides which gravel is right for a job.
Common gravel types
| Type | Size | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Crusher run (ABC/road base) | 3/4" + fines | Compactable base layers, driveways |
| #57 stone | 3/4" clean | Drainage, French drains, driveways, concrete |
| #411 | 3/4" + dust | Compactable driveway surface |
| Pea gravel | 3/8" rounded | Paths, patios, playgrounds, decorative |
| Stone dust / screenings | Fine | Paver setting bed, joints |
| #2 stone | 2–2.5" | Deep base, heavy drainage |
| River rock | 1"+ rounded | Decorative beds, dry creek beds |
Best gravel by job
- Driveway: crusher run base topped with #57 or #411 for the driving surface.
- French drain: #57 or other clean, washed stone — no fines, so it drains.
- Paver base: 4–6 in of crusher run compacted, then a 1-in stone-dust setting bed.
- Shed base: compacted crusher run, or #57 in a contained frame.
- Pathways/patios: pea gravel for comfort underfoot, edged to keep it in place.
FAQs
What is the best gravel for a driveway?
A two-layer build: crusher run (which compacts to a solid base) topped with #57 or #411 stone for the surface. Avoid loose pea gravel as a driving surface — it scatters and ruts.
What gravel is best for a French drain?
Clean, washed #57 stone. It has no fines, so water flows through it freely to the perforated pipe instead of clogging.